Those who did not receive Jesus as the Messiah,

They have not readied themselves for such an event.

“Have we welcomed Christ as God’s Sin-bearer and our Savior?

Have we received His free gift of salvation?

we want to be dressed and ready for His second coming.

 

St. Anthony Mary Claret, bishop

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21

Therefore, sin entered the world

Through one man and through sin, death, and later on death spread to all humankind, because all sinned. All died because of the fault of one man, but how much more does the grace of God spread when the gift he granted reaches all, from this unique man Jesus Christ. If death reigned through the disobedience of one and only one person, how much more will there be a reign of life for those who receive the grace and the gift of true righteousness through the one person, Jesus Christ.

 

Just as one transgression brought sentence of death to all, so, too, one man's good act has brought justification and light to all; and as the disobedience of only one made all sinners, so the obedience of one person allowed all to be made just and holy.

 

The law itself, introduced later on, caused sin to increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, and as sin caused death to reign, so grace will reign in its own time, and after making us just and friends of God, will bring us to eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

 

Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17 Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊     

Luke 12:35-38

Be ready, dressed for service, and keep your lamps lit, like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding. As soon as he comes and knocks, they will open to him. Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide-awake when he comes. Truly, I tell you, he will put on an apron and have them sit at table and he will wait on them. Happy are those servants if he finds them awake when he comes at midnight or daybreak!

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"We should strive to be a positive influence in our community and world." 

Looking at all the problems in the world, it's easy to be overwhelmed and to believe that there's nothing you can do to make things better. In that case, why even bother to try? It's true that none of us is likely to single-handedly cure cancer, but each of us can help someone who is ill by cleaning their house, running errands, or just visiting. I can't end world hunger, but I can make sure that one less child in my community goes to bed hungry tonight.

 

In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to be ready to serve, always on the lookout for opportunities to love and serve our brothers and sisters. One person can have far more influence than we expect – for good or ill. We should strive to be a positive influence in our community and world. The grace of God allows us to live in obedience and righteousness, just as Jesus our Savior did, so that God will greet us in heaven as good and faithful servants.